CREATE AI Act of 2024

This bill establishes the National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) to spur AI innovation, advance trustworthy AI, improve access to AI resources for researchers and students including underrepresented groups, improve U.S. AI research capacity, and support testing and evaluation of AI systems. The Director of the National Science Foundation must establish the NAIRR within one year of enactment.

Sec. 3, National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource: This section amends the National AI Initiative Act to add a new title creating the NAIRR. It defines key terms like AI testbed, Operating Entity, and Program Management Office. The NSF Director establishes the NAIRR and a Program Management Office to oversee daily operations, including selecting a nongovernmental Operating Entity through a competitive process. The Office develops budgets, oversees resource allocation, and produces annual public reports. Advisory Committees may be formed with members from government, private sector, academia, and public interest groups.

Sec. 5603, Resources of the NAIRR: The NAIRR must offer computational resources (including cloud, on-premises, hybrid, and open-source software), data (including curated datasets and an AI open data commons), educational tools and training, and access to AI testbeds and high-performance computing testbeds. Resources are subject to appropriations.

Sec. 5604, NAIRR processes and procedures: Eligible users include U.S.-based researchers, educators, and students affiliated with institutions of higher education, nonprofits, federal agencies, federally funded research centers, small businesses with federal funding, or other categories determined by NSF and OSTP. Individuals employed by or acting for certain foreign countries are excluded. The Operating Entity establishes an application process, sets requirements for privacy, ethics, civil rights, and trustworthiness, and establishes security requirements consistent with NIST frameworks. A fee schedule may be established but must include a free tier based on appropriated funds. The Office must ensure research security and encourage open-source software development.